Today, August 16th, we celebrate Rum, the wonderful spirit that is the base of many classic cocktails including the Daiquiri, Mai Tai and Pina Colada. Rum was instrumental in the growth of the American colonies, Australia and was a staple for British sailors until 1970.
So what is rum?
It is a spirit distilled from molasses, which is a by product of the sugar manufacture. There are a few instances where Rum is made from straight cane juice. Rum is produced just about any where people grow sugar cane, but it’s true home lies in the West Indies. The style of Rum differs from island to island, with lighter rums coming from Spanish speaking islands, darker from English speaking islands and cane juice based from the french speaking islands.
Rum is produced in 3 main styles. White, Gold and Dark.
White Rum, the best coming from Cuba or Puerto Rico, are unaged and are create base for many cocktails.
Gold Rum, is basically white rum that has been been barrel aged giving it a but more flavor and character.
Dark Rum, is aged the longest in heavily charred barrels. This type of rum is synonymous with Jamaica and Bermuda, but some very fine Dark Rums are now being produced in Nicaragua and Honduras. Dark Rum is also used in cooking quite often.
There are also seveal other types of rum that are really variants of the main 3, including Spiced Rum, flavored and the oh so scary 151, which is an over proof rum. Many distilleries are also making super premium Rums that compete with fine Cognac and Whiskeys.
Interestingly, Rum is the base of many “Polynesian” drinks found in Tiki bars around the world. Still, most of these drinks originated in the Caribbean or in the case of the Mai Tai, Oakland, CA.
Rum is a now experiencing a Renaissance, much like Bourbon and Tequila before it. There is som much more to it that Coke.
The first session I attended during last week’s Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans was a panel titled “2009 Big Trends in Cocktail & Spirit Service”. The panel consisted of Jim Meehan - PDT, NYC, Michael Waterhouse, Devlin Tavern, NYC, and Simon Difford - Source Guide and was moderated by Ryan Magarian - Aviation Gin. The program covered the 4 Ps of Cocktail Service Success, not unlike the 4 Ps of marketing, Product, Precise Execution, Promotion, Passion. It was here that I discover the magic of Tales of the Cocktail, this was no boring seminar and they were serving drinks! A few samples of the cocktail being discussed. Sure is was 10:30 am , but this was New Orleans.
The Panel started off with a discussion product trends.
Spirits
Overall the trend is for full-flavored spirits, moving away from the vodka craze of late. Mezcal, Gin (the new vodka?) and Rye Whiskey are at the forefront of the full-flavored Renaissance. In addition, aged rum is exploding and Jameson sales are through the roof. Cacacha is also making huge strides from just a few years ago.
Sweet
Fortified wines like Sherry, Lillet and vermouth are popular ingredients in cocktails, as well are rice wines sake and shochu. St. Germain elderflower liqueur appears on just about every cocktail menu, and other flower based liqueurs are popping up. Other trending sweeteners include specialty sugars, Agave nectar, Maple syrup and orgeat.
Nothing like a cool cocktail to help you chill out during the summer heat.
This fruity and refreshing cocktail, created by Beefeater London Dry Gin, is a great way to celebrate the season. Cheers!
Summer Gin Punch
2 parts gin
1/2 part maraschino liqueur
1/2 part water
1/4 part Gomme syrup
1/4 part fresh lemon juice
1/2 part fresh orange juice
1 lemon twist
1 orange twist
2 fresh raspberries
2 chunks of diced pineapple
1 part soda
Build all ingredients in a mixing glass over ice, then transfer contents into a punch cup.
The folks over at Skyy have brought us another tasty infused vodka perfect for summer time cocktails. All natural Skyy Infusions Pineapple, the markets first, is the classic premium Skyy Vodka infused with succulent pineapple.
I was consumed by the smell of fresh pineapple upon opening the bottle. Skyy Infusions Pineapple is an all natural product that is pretty much vodka and pineapple. It has a super fruity taste that is sweet and smooth. The result is a refreshingly sweet vodka that offers a new alternative to favorites like the Mai Tai and Pina Colada but without the heavy juice.
Skyy Pinapple was released to take advantage of the resurgence of Tiki cocktails across the nation.
“People enjoy Tiki cocktails because they are fun,” said Barbi Caruso, Bar Manager and Head Mixologist at Luau in Beverly Hills. “Coming to places like Luau is like a mini-vacation. You might not be able to afford a trip to Hawaii but you can still share a Scorpion Bowl with friends.”
We think they never went away.
Skyy Infusion Pineapple retails for about $20 for a 750 ml
Try this Skyy Tiki cocktail as the days get longer and warmer. Enjoy!
Pog Punch
1 1/2 parts Skyy Vodka Infusions Pineapple
1 1/2 parts fresh squeezed orange juice
1 part guava puree
In an ice filled shaker combine all ingredients, shake and strain into ice fill scorpion bowl.
Garnish with a floating orchid and pineapple.
Inspired by shark week on the Discovery Channel, this is what my roommates and I pieced together on HOT afternoon. Super sweet, super strong, and sea-foam green.
Shark Attack
1/2 cup White Rum
1/2 cup Southern Comfort
1/2 cup Hurricane Pucker
1/2 cup Ginger Ale
1 cup White Grape Juice
2 cups Crushed Ice
Mix everything in a large pitcher or punch bowl. Serve over ice in a chilled Collins Glass with cocktail umbrellas. Don’t put your feet inthe water!
There used to be a video here, but the thirsty traveler doesn’t want you to see it. Sorry. They partnered with a company that asked me to promote the show for free, which I did. Now they don’t need us (so they say) and told us our use of the videos was unauthorized. Yet, they gave us implied right to use it by sending us their code. Embed codes were also available to all on the partner site.
We holler shenanigans.
Anyway we have more videos from producers that would be happy to let you watch.
It’s Easter, it’s Passover and that means Spring is here in full swing. It also is a good time to count a few calories so we can all look smashing in swim togs come Summer. Our friends at Suntory makers of some fantastic Whisky as well as, Midori & Zen Green Tea Liqueur have put together this collection of light refreshing cocktails that are perfect for sipping and calories counting.
Another tasty low-cal treat is the Zen Iced Tea. At only 150 calories and 20% alcohol level, this is the perfect cocktail for after dinner evenings spent on the porch or for Sunday brunches.
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=f258aef8-ab5e-4cdf-92bc-371dc893b806)
The first session I attended during last week’s 
Nothing like a cool cocktail to help you chill out during the summer heat.![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=1bf80d7e-823b-45cc-8fbe-7843ca16fe88)
The folks over at Skyy have brought us another tasty infused vodka perfect for summer time cocktails. All natural Skyy Infusions Pineapple, the markets first, is the classic premium Skyy Vodka infused with succulent pineapple.
Pog Punch![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=642502cf-242b-4ccf-95ee-f72caa912c63)
Reader Tim invented this treat with his roomies. 
Shark Attack
It’s Easter, it’s Passover and that means Spring is here in full swing. It also is a good time to count a few calories so we can all look smashing in swim togs come Summer. Our friends at 